CAIRO, Egypt: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on his eighth diplomatic mission to the Middle East this week against the backdrop of a delicate ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The proposed agreement faces uncertainty following a dramatic military raid that rescued four Israeli hostages held in Gaza and ongoing turmoil within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Blinken’s itinerary includes meetings with key regional leaders, starting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. From there, he will travel to Israel, Jordan, and Qatar, underscoring the US commitment to regional stability and conflict resolution.
While the recent hostage rescue has been praised by US officials, it has also raised concerns about its impact on the ceasefire negotiations. The operation resulted in casualties among Palestinian civilians, potentially complicating efforts to secure a lasting truce.
Hamas, has yet to provide a formal response to the ceasefire proposal presented ten days ago. Blinken will engage with Egyptian and Qatari leaders, who serve as mediators with Hamas, to urge the militants to accept the three-phase plan. The proposal aims to secure the release of additional hostages and initiate a temporary cessation of hostilities, with the ultimate goal of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
However, challenges to the ceasefire extend beyond Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the deal, citing inaccuracies in the public presentation and rejecting calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Internal political tensions within Israel, exacerbated by the resignation of Defence Minister Benny Gantz, further complicate the situation.
Despite these obstacles, Blinken remains committed to advancing the ceasefire proposal during his diplomatic engagements. He emphasizes the potential benefits for both Israelis and Palestinians, including alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, and promoting broader regional integration.
The ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll on Palestinians, with thousands killed and widespread suffering exacerbated by restrictions on essential supplies. Blinken’s participation in an emergency conference in Jordan underscores the urgent need to address humanitarian concerns and facilitate aid delivery to Gaza.
